The Ordre des CPA du Québec pays tribute to its great ambassadors and welcomes 72 executive program graduates

Montreal, November 21, 2012 – On November 16, 2012, the Ordre des CPA du Québec held its prestigious Ambassadors Gala at the Sheraton Centre in Montreal. During this major event, hosted by Rebecca Makonnen, close to 350 guests celebrated the admission to the profession of 72 executive program graduates and congratulated the recipients of numerous awards and distinctions, including eight new Fellows.

Stephan Robitaille, FCPA, FCGA, Chair of the Order, welcomed the new CPA members who completed the executive path. “From this moment on, you will be ambassadors of the profession in your organizations. I am confident that you will follow in the footsteps of our great ambassadors and become models of excellence as well.” Mr. Robitaille also addressed the recipients of awards and distinctions, members who enhance the reputation of the CPA profession. “The CPA designation is synonymous with credibility and success thanks to exceptional professionals like you who raise the profile of the profession through your accomplishments and involvement.”

72 new graduates of the CPA, CMA and CPA, CMA-MBA executive programs

After completing in-depth training in management accounting especially designed for practicing executives, the 72 graduates of the CPA, CMA and CPA, CMA-MBA executive programs were officially admitted to the CPA profession. They join the ranks of senior financial managers who opted for this exclusive training combination offered to executives. Executive programs allow candidates to acquire converging competencies that make them front-ranking players in their organization’s management, performance and strategic decision making.

Eight new holders of the prestigious title of Fellow

The Ambassadors Gala provides a unique forum to honour members who have made a significant contribution to the advancement and visibility of the CPA profession and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the community. Representing the elite of the profession, the eight new FCPAs appointed by the Order join the 672 holders of this honorary title in Quebec:

Awards and distinctions

This event also provides an opportunity to congratulate the recipients of the Fernand-Cloutier award presented to the team of graduates of the CPA, CMA and CPA, CMA-MBA executive programs that obtained the best results during the final stage of the CPA, CMA accreditation process, i.e. the Report to the Board. The winning team from UQAM’s École des sciences de la gestion was made up of graduates Wafaa Bahassi, CPA, CMA, Sandoz Canada, Isabelle Deraiche, CPA, CMA, Consyst SQL Inc., Touria El Jeddaoui, CPA, CMA, Transcontinental Inc., Abdelmajid El Kerzabi, CPA, CMA, CRC Sogema Inc., Hamid El Mourhir, CPA, CMA, Revenu Québec and Jaimy Harfouche, CPA, CMA, Bombardier Aerospace, who received an honourary medal and shared a $6,000 cash prize.

Dominique Arbour, CPA, CMA, a professor at the Université du Québec à Rimouski, was awarded a $20,000 Ph.D. scholarship from the Foundation of Quebec CPAs. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize academic excellence, promote doctoral studies in accounting and encourage chartered professional accountants to teach in university level accounting programs.

François Renauld, FCPA, FCMA, President of the Quebec Interprofessional Council, was also on hand to present the QIC Award of Merit to Michel Verreault, FCPA, FCMA, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales Support – Personal Services at Desjardins Group. This award highlights the exceptional contribution made by a professional to his or her order and to Quebec’s professional system.

Lastly, a commemorative medal was created to mark the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal serves to recognize the contributions and achievements of Canadians. Seven CPAs earned this prestigious distinction.

Who are chartered professional accountants?
CPAs are professionals recognized for their rigor, acumen, versatility and credibility. They have been trained to be the best in their area of expertise, and their skills enable them to serve enterprises, organizations and the general public.

About the Ordre des CPA du Québec
The Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés (CPA) du Québec has over 35,600 members and 6,500 candidates and students. The Order ensures the protection of the public and the visibility of the profession. It represents all areas of expertise of the accounting profession, including assurance, financial accounting, management and management accounting, finance and taxation.